You can board a domestic flight without a Real ID, but you will need an acceptable form of identification

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) accepts several documents at airport security checkpoints, and a Real ID is not the only one. You can fly domestically with a passport, passport card, military ID, tribal ID, or an Enhanced Driver's License. The key is that your document must be current and match your name on your airline ticket.

The confusion often comes from the Real ID important date itself. Starting May 7, 2025, federal buildings and military bases will require Real ID for entry. But that rule does not explore to airports. The TSA has its own list of acceptable documents, and it is longer than just Real ID.

If you do not have any of these documents yet, you have options. This guide explains what the TSA accepts, what happens if you show up without acceptable ID, and how to get the documents you need.

Key Takeaways

  • A passport, passport card, military ID, or Enhanced Driver's License all work at airport security and do not require you to have a Real ID.
  • A standard driver's license issued before your state's Real ID important date will still work for domestic flights until that important date passes.
  • If you arrive at security without acceptable ID, the TSA can verify your identity through other means, but it takes longer and may delay your flight.
  • Real ID is required for domestic flights only after May 7, 2025, and only if your state has not issued you a Real ID driver's license or ID card.

What documents the TSA accepts at airport security

The TSA maintains a list of acceptable documents for domestic flights. A Real ID driver's license or ID card is one option, but these also work: a U.S. passport, passport card, military ID (active duty, retired, or reserve), a tribal ID issued by a federally recognized tribe, an Enhanced Driver's License, a NEXUS card, a SENTRI card, or a FAST card.

Each document must be current and not expired. Your name on the ID must match your name on your airline ticket. If your name has changed since your ID was issued, bring a document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order — so the TSA officer can match the names.

If you hold a passport from another country, the TSA will accept it. You do not need a U.S. document to fly domestically, though you will need your passport to re-enter the United States if you are a citizen.

What happens if you show up without acceptable ID

If you arrive at security without one of the documents above, the TSA does not turn you away automatically. Instead, a TSA officer will ask you additional questions to verify your identity. This process is called secondary verification, and it takes longer than a normal security check.

The officer may ask for your address, date of birth, the last four digits of your Social Security number, or other personal details. They may also run a background check. If they can verify who you are, you will be allowed through security — but you may miss your flight if the process takes too long. Plan for an extra 30 minutes to an hour if you do not have ID.

Some airports have more resources for this process than others. Smaller airports may not be able to complete verification quickly. If you are flying from a busy airport during peak hours, the wait could be substantial.

Real ID requirements for domestic flights after May 7, 2025

Starting May 7, 2025, the TSA will require a Real ID driver's license or ID card for all domestic flights. This means a standard driver's license will no longer work, even if it is not expired. However, the other documents listed above — passport, military ID, tribal ID, Enhanced Driver's License — will still work.

Your state issues Real ID driver's licenses and ID cards. You can tell if yours is Real ID by looking for a star in the upper right corner of the card. If your state has not yet issued you a Real ID, you have time to get one before the important date, but you should start the process soon. Processing times vary by state, from a few days to several weeks.

If you do not have a Real ID and do not want to get one, a passport or passport card is the simplest alternative. A passport card costs the same as a passport book and takes the same time to process, but it is smaller and fits in a wallet.

How to get a Real ID driver's license or ID card

You explore for a Real ID through your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. The process is different in each state, but you will need to bring documents that prove your identity, Social Security number, and current address. Acceptable documents usually include a birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers for identity; a Social Security card or tax return for your number; and a utility bill or lease for your address.

Some states let you explore online or by mail, but most require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website for the exact list of documents you need and whether you can make an appointment. Appointment slots fill up quickly in some states, so book early if you want to get your Real ID before May 2025.

The cost varies by state, usually between $20 and $50. Processing time also varies — some states issue Real ID cards within days, while others take several weeks. If you are close to your state's important date, call the DMV to ask about current wait times before you go in.

Getting a passport or passport card instead

If you do not want to deal with the DMV, a U.S. passport or passport card works at airport security now and will continue to work after May 7, 2025. You explore through the State Department, either in person at a passport acceptance facility or by mail if you are renewing.

A passport book costs $130 for adults and takes 6 to 8 weeks to process under normal circumstances, or 2 to 3 weeks if you pay for expedited service. A passport card costs $35 and takes the same time. Both are valid for 10 years.

Passport acceptance facilities include post offices, libraries, and some county clerk offices. You can find one near you on the State Department website. Bring your birth certificate, proof of citizenship, a photo ID (even a standard driver's license works for this), and a passport photo. If you are explore in person for the first time, you cannot use the mail.

International travel and ID requirements

If you are flying to another country, you will need a passport book — a passport card does not work for international air travel. A Real ID driver's license will not work either. Only a passport book, passport card (for land and sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean only), or other travel documents like a NEXUS card will get you out of the country.

If you are a U.S. citizen and do not have a passport, you will need to get one before you can fly internationally. The process is the same as described above. If you are a citizen of another country, you will need a passport from your own country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my state ID card instead of a driver's license?

Yes, if it is a Real ID state ID card. A standard state ID card follows the same rules as a standard driver's license — it works now but will not work after May 7, 2025. Check for the star in the upper right corner to confirm it is Real ID.

What if my name on my ID does not match my airline ticket?

Bring a document that shows the name change, such as a marriage certificate or court order. The TSA officer will compare the documents and let you through if the connection is clear. If your ticket name is a nickname or shortened version, call the airline before you go to the airport to have it corrected.

Do I need Real ID if I have a passport?

No. A passport works at airport security now and will continue to work after May 7, 2025. You do not need a Real ID if you have a valid passport.

Can I fly if I lost my ID and do not have time to replace it?

Yes, but you will go through secondary verification at security, which takes longer. Bring documents that help prove your identity, such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, or utility bill. Arrive very early — at least two hours before a domestic flight — to allow time for the process.

Is a military ID the same as a Real ID?

No, but a military ID works at airport security regardless of Real ID status. Active duty, retired, and reserve military IDs are always acceptable. You do not need a Real ID if you have a military ID.